Nigamananda Paramahansa
Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa (born Nalinikanta Chattopadhyay; 18 August 1880 – 29 November 1935) was an Indian yogi, guru, and mystic who was well known in Eastern India. He was associated with the Shakta tradition and was considered a perfect spiritual master of Vedanta, Tantra, Yoga, and Prema or Bhakti. His followers idealized him as their worshipped and beloved Thakura.
Nigamananda was born into a Bengali Brahmin family in the hamlet of Kutabpur in Nadia district (presently in Meherpur district, Bangladesh). He became a sannyasi in Adi Shankar’s Dashanami Sampradaya and came to be known as Paribrajakacharya Paramahansa Srimat Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Deva.
Throughout his spiritual journey, Nigamananda achieved siddhi (perfection) in four different sadhanas (spiritual disciplines): Tantra, Gyan, Yoga, and Prema. Based on these experiences, he wrote five Bengali language books: “Brahmacharya Sadhana,” “Yogi Guru,” “Gyani Guru,” “Tantrika Guru,” and “Premik Guru.” Nigamananda reportedly experienced the state of Nirvikalpa Samadhi.
In 1912, on the auspicious eve of Akshaya Tritaya, a significant event took place with the laying of the foundation of Shanti Ashram at Kokilamukh, Assam. Within the ashram, Sri Sri Thakur himself founded the sacred space known as the Gurubrhama Gaadi, which served as a central focal point for devotees. It was designed as an inclusive sanctuary where adherents from any religious tradition could come together to engage in their spiritual practices. This visionary approach reflected Sri Sri Thakur’s commitment to promoting unity and harmony among people of diverse faiths. As an ascetic affiliated with the title of Saraswati under the Sringeri Math, Sri Sri Thakur bestowed the name “Saraswat Math” upon his ashram. This nomenclature not only honored his own spiritual lineage but also conveyed his reverence for the goddess Saraswati, associated with knowledge, wisdom, and learning.
After retiring from Saraswata Matha, Nigamananda spent the last fourteen years of his life in Puri. In 1930, Durga Charan Mohanty, a school student, met him at Nilachala Kutir and recognized him as a sadguru. Mohanty became Nigamananda’s disciple and wrote books for Nigamananda’s establishment, Nilachala Saraswata Sangha, and translated Nigamananda’s Bengali books into Odia. Under Mohanty’s encouragement, more than 100 ashrams operate in Odisha. Mohanty continued to spread the message of Nigamananda until his death on 7 December 1985.
Life
Childhood, studies and service life (1880–1901)
At the time of his birth, Nigamananda was named Nalinikanta (নলিনীকান্ত, ନଳିନୀକାନ୍ତ, नलिनीकान्त), which in Hindu meaning is “Lotus” or “Water,” as per the wishes of his father, Bhuban Mohan, and the advice of his father’s guru, Swami Bhaskarananda Saraswati.
In 1893, when Nalinikanta was thirteen years old, he suffered a tragic loss when his mother, Manikya Sundari Devi, passed away due to cholera. This event plunged him into depression.
In 1894-95, he passed the student scholarship examination and enrolled in Meherpur High School. Subsequently, in 1895, he joined Dhaka Asanulla Engineering College. In 1897, his father arranged his marriage to a thirteen-year-old girl named Sudhansubala Devi from Halisahar. After completing his studies in 1899, he took up a position in the District Board of Dinajpur, which was under the estate of Rani Rashmoni.
Around five years after his marriage, in the month of Vadra in 1901, Nalinikanta was serving as the supervisor of the Narayanpur Estate (Zamindari) when he had a peculiar experience. He saw the shadowy image of his wife standing at a table, appearing upset and silent, while she was actually away at Kutabpur (Nalinikanta’s village). Concerned, he traveled to Kutabpur to inquire about her and there he learned that she had passed away just an hour before he had the mysterious vision. Nalinikanta, driven by grief and desperation, attempted to reach his deceased wife through occult science but was unsuccessful in his endeavors.
This incident had a profound impact on Nalinikanta’s life and led him on a spiritual quest, ultimately transforming him into Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa, the renowned yogi, guru, and mystic.
Turning point
Until he lost his wife, Nalinikanta had seen death as the ultimate end. However, her passing deeply impacted him and raised questions about the possibility of life after death. This event sparked a profound spiritual inquiry in him.
Driven by the desire to find answers, Nalinikanta became obsessed with the question of life after death. In search of spiritual knowledge, he traveled to Madras (now Chennai) and joined the Theosophical Society at Adyar, where he studied theosophy. Through a medium, he attempted to communicate with his deceased wife, but the experience left him unsatisfied and seeking more profound insights.
His discussions and studies at the Theosophical Society led him to search for a yogi who could guide him and provide him with a deeper understanding of the true philosophy of “life after death.” This quest eventually led him to embrace a life of spiritual pursuit, and he would later become known as Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa, a revered yogi, guru, and mystic.
Spiritual experience (1902–1905)
One night, Nalinikanta had a profound dream in which he encountered a radiant sadhu standing beside his bed. The sadhu handed him a bael leaf with a mantra inscribed on it before mysteriously disappearing. Intrigued and seeking to understand the significance of the mantra, Nalinikanta sought help from various sources, but his search led him to a renowned tantrik named Bamakhepa in Tarapith, Birbhum district.
Nalinikanta underwent initiation (diksha) from Bamakhepa, who instructed him to chant the mantra for 21 days. Under Bamakhepa’s guidance, Nalinikanta had a mystical experience known as darshan, where he had a physical vision of Tara Devi in the form of his deceased wife. This encounter led to a profound mystery as he witnessed Tara Devi merging with his own being.
To unravel this mystery, Bamakhepa advised Nalinikanta to seek knowledge of Advaita (non-dualism) from a Vedantic guru. In 1902, he set out in search of a Jnani Guru and eventually met Guru Satchidananda Saraswati in Pushkar, Rajasthan. To his astonishment, Nalinikanta realized that Satchidananda Saraswati was the same sadhu who had appeared in his dream and given him the Tara mantra.
Becoming Guru Satchidananda’s disciple, Nalinikanta delved into the study of Brahman (the formless God), Brahma Sutras, and Vedanta. Under Satchidananda’s guidance, he was initiated into the path of renunciation, and in accordance with that principle, he adopted the name Nigamananda.
Satchidananda directed Nigamananda to embark on pilgrimages to the four sacred religious seats (Char Dham) to gain a deeper understanding of their significance. After completing these pilgrimages, Nigamananda returned to the ashram.
Upon his return, Guru Satchidananda reviewed Nigamananda’s pilgrimages and acknowledged the knowledge and experiences he had gained. However, he emphasized the need for Nigamananda to put his teachings into practice and personally experience the truth of his own being through dedicated efforts and observance of yogic principles. He encouraged Nigamananda to seek out a guru who could provide further guidance in this path.
Nigamananda’s quest for spiritual enlightenment led him to meet a yogi guru named “Sumeru Dasji” (also known as Koot Hoomi Lal Singh or Kuthumi). Accepting him as his disciple, Sumeru Dasji imparted teachings on yoga. After rigorous practice, in the month of Poush in 1904, Nigamananda attained mastery over Savikalpa Samadhi, a trance state where he transcended body consciousness and acquired a higher transcendental awareness while retaining his individual identity.
Driven by a deeper desire to experience the state of Nirvikalpa Samadhi, the most advanced form of yogic trance, Nigamananda embarked on a spiritual journey to Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam (Nilachal Hill). According to his followers, Nigamananda entered Nirvikalpa Samadhi at this sacred place and returned to his body with the residual consciousness of being the master or guru. In this state, he practically understood his guru’s vedic knowledge within his own body.
The location where Swami Nigamananda experienced Nirvikalpa Samadhi was identified and inaugurated as the Nirbikalpa Sidhi Sthal in Kamakhya Dham, Guwahati, on 20 December 2012.
In 1904, while in Kashi (Varanasi), Nigamananda had another transformative dream where Goddess Annapurna revealed that his knowledge was limited to the formless God and had not gone beyond that, signifying that he was still incomplete. Accepting her challenge, he sought guidance from Gouri Devi, a siddha yogini, to learn bhava sadhana (the practice of divine love). Under Gouri Devi’s tutelage, he delved into bhakti or prem (eternal divine love play) to understand the physical world as a transformation of God in bhava sadhana.
Nigamananda’s persistent and profound search for his spiritual guide was symbolic of the future disciples’ search for him, as he would become a revered guru and spiritual master for countless seekers. His life’s journey exemplified the path of spiritual exploration, self-realization, and the quest for divine love, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and guide spiritual aspirants to this day.
Recognition as paramahansa (1904)
In 1904, Swami Nigamananda traveled to Allahabad to witness the Kumbh Mela, a significant religious gathering. During his stay, he discovered that his master, Guru Satchidananda, was in the area, residing with Jagadguru Sankaracharya of Sringeri Matha. Eager to meet his guru, Nigamananda went to the place where Sankaracharya sat on an elevated throne, surrounded by 125 monks, including Guru Satchidananda.
Upon arriving, Nigamananda first paid his respects to his beloved guru, following the deep reverence he held for him. However, some of the other sadhus present were displeased by what they perceived as Nigamananda’s failure to honor the higher-ranking Sankaracharya first. In response, Nigamananda eloquently quoted a scriptural verse: “Mannatha shri jagannatha madguru shri jagadguru madatma sarvabhutatma tasmai shri gurave namaha,” which meant, “My guru is the highest in the whole world, hence I should respect my guru first.”
Nigamananda went on to explain that, according to the teachings of Vedanta philosophy, there was no distinction between his own guru, Shri Sachidanand Saraswati, and Jagadguru Sankaracharya. He emphasized the oneness of all spiritual masters who lead their disciples towards enlightenment.
Impressed by Nigamananda’s profound understanding and devotion, Jagadguru Sankaracharya endorsed his response and recognized him as someone who had achieved spiritual enlightenment. He conferred upon Nigamananda the title of “paramahansa,” bestowing upon him the new name “Paribrajakacharay Paramahansa Shree Mad Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Deva.”
This acknowledgment from Jagadguru Sankaracharya elevated Swami Nigamananda’s spiritual stature and solidified his position as a revered master in the spiritual realm. The title of “paramahansa” symbolized his attainment of the highest level of spiritual realization and divine wisdom.
From that moment onward, Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa Shree Mad Saraswati Deva continued to inspire and guide countless spiritual seekers, leaving a lasting legacy of love, wisdom, and unity in the hearts of his devotees. His profound spiritual experiences, teachings, and exemplary life continue to resonate with seekers of truth and seekers of inner peace across generations.
Death (1935)
After his eventful and transformative spiritual journey, Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa spent the last fourteen years of his life in the sacred city of Puri. It was in Puri that he continued his spiritual practices, imparted wisdom to his disciples, and shared his profound spiritual experiences with them. His presence in Puri became a source of inspiration and guidance for many seekers who came to learn from him.
Sadly, Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa departed from this mortal realm on 29th November 1935 in Calcutta. His passing left a void in the hearts of his devoted followers, who continued to honor his memory and teachings.
Every year, his followers come together at annual congregations (sammilani) and other ceremonial occasions to commemorate his life and teachings. These gatherings serve as a reminder of the profound impact he had on their spiritual journey and the lasting legacy he left behind.
Throughout India, several places hold significance for Nigamananda’s followers. His ashram at Halisahar, along with Saraswata Matha (previously known as Shanti Ashram) in Jorhat and the serene Sundarbans, have become places of pilgrimage for those seeking to connect with the spiritual essence he embodied. These locations serve as reminders of his presence and the spiritual teachings he imparted to his disciples and followers.
Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa’s teachings and spiritual legacy continue to resonate with seekers of truth and spirituality, guiding them towards inner peace, enlightenment, and a deeper understanding of the divine. His life’s journey remains an inspiring example of devotion, compassion, and the unyielding pursuit of spiritual truth.
Jayaguru (जयगुरु ଜୟଗୁରୁ জয়গুরু)
Swami Nigamananda Paramahansa was dedicated to spreading his spiritual teachings and wisdom to people from all walks of life. He initiated thousands of individuals, both men and women, and taught them his spiritual practices. His teachings were free from sectarian bias, offering a non-sectarian approach to spiritual growth.
Encouraging unity and harmony, Swami Nigamananda urged his disciples to come together in groups (sangha) of three or more. In these gatherings, they would offer prayers and worship to their guru, share their spiritual experiences, and chant “jayaguru” (जयगुरु ଜୟଗୁରୁ) – a word he coined to signify “Glory of, by, and for the Master.”
Through this non-sectarian mantra, Swami Nigamananda emphasized that the glory of God or Guru could be experienced. He taught that God, as the Master of the Universe, can be reached through the name “jayaguru.” This inclusive approach allowed people from any sect or creed to accept this name without hindering their progress on the spiritual path.
In addition to the spiritual practices, Swami Nigamananda guided his disciples to read spiritual books, manage mathas and ashrams, and embrace the life of a spiritually inspired ideal householder. His teachings aimed to imbue their lives with spiritual essence and dedication.
Swami Nigamananda’s teachings transcended boundaries and brought people together in their pursuit of truth and spiritual realization. His vision of unity, love, and devotion touched the hearts of many, and his disciples continue to cherish and propagate his teachings to this day.